Weird question - is it all right to watch TV?

[stacymay]

I know there are a lot of things on television in which Christians shouldn't indulge, but I have recently been confronted with a lot of views expressing how contrary TV itself is to the Christian life. Will watching TV keep us from the Kingdom of Heaven? It doesn't seem like that big of a threat to me, but those kinds of opinions kind of scare me. What's your opinion on this?

PS: Obviously I'm not talking about Christian-specific programs like they show on ANGEL or TBN. I'm talking more about King of Hill, Animal Cops, The Office, Glee, X Factor, Sopranos, etc. Secular shows.

 

[JRSut1000]

Stacymay, I myself am struggling with this very thing. While I don't think that having a TV in my home will send me to hell, there's a few things to consider:

1) Content - I can't imagine sitting down with Jesus to most of the shows and movies on TV these days. Much of the entertainment value in television today centers around sexuality, violence, and thrills.

2) Time - TV can be a downright waste of time even if it's just HGTV or DYI. It's so easy to turn the television on just for something to do or out of habit. I know, been there done that...too many times! If it takes away from family time, God-time, or away from our callings (ministry, work, home responsibilities), then it's time to turn the boob-tube off and rearrange priorities.

Like I said, I've been thinking about this very thing on and off for quite a while now. We do have cable, we do have HD, and our screen is 32in. I seriously think we don't need it. I haven't come to a conclusion yet, but I know limiting my time and selections is a great first step.

 

[childofgod89]

Watching television will not keep you from the Kingdom of Heaven. The primary concern is that it's ultimately a misuse of time. Most Christians recognize that there are things on tv that they should'nt be watching. But others say that there is nothing on tv that we should be watching. There are a lot of views on this, but the basic idea that I've found is that you want to fill yourself with everything that God has. Watching television numbs you, and it acclimates you to a culture that is in many ways contrary to the character of God. If you are really hungry and thirsty for God and have come to know Him, theoretically you should seek to fill all your time with more of Him, given that He is the source of all love, joy, mercy, peace, hope, etc. Therefore anything not conducive to growing in God is ultimately improper stewardship of the time God has given us. And along with that, should make us sorrowful that we have missed out on more.

Now, having said all that, does watching television make you a bad person? No.
Does watching bad things on television make you a bad person? No.
Is God going to punish you for watching television? Probably not.

But we all have to ask ourselves if spending even half an hour watching whatever show is as dear to us as spending half an hour with God. And it's the people spending three hours a day in the prayer closet interceding that find the greatest depth of relationship with God and experience what life is really all about. And just as a disclaimer so nobody feels as if I am pontificating, I spent most of my free time these days watching movies.